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The Jimmy Fincher Saga #1

A Door in the Woods

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What begins as a summer-day climb up his favorite tree quickly takes an ugly turn for poor Jimmy Fincher, as he witnesses something that turns his perception of reality upside-down. When the perpetrator of the act notices Jimmy in the tree, the ensuing adventures explode into a torrent of suspense and excitement. The next month of Fincher's life includes an ancient legend come to life, a conspiracy of madmen decades old, strange portals to other worlds, villains named everything from Raspy to Shadow and behind it all is the old wooden door in the forest by Jimmy's home. There, something wondrous awaits.

188 pages, Paperback

First published May 12, 2005

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About the author

James Dashner

133 books35.9k followers
James is the author of THE MAZE RUNNER trilogy and THE 13TH REALITY series. He also published a series (beginning with A DOOR IN THE WOODS) with a small publisher several years ago. He lives and writes in the Rocky Mountains.

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5 stars
354 (30%)
4 stars
376 (32%)
3 stars
299 (25%)
2 stars
117 (10%)
1 star
20 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
Profile Image for Megan.
182 reviews1 follower
October 25, 2009
I'd heard a lot of great things about this book and have been excited to read it for some time. However, I found the book to be quite mediocre once I finally had the chance to read it.

With all of the fantasy stories that flooded the market after the Harry Potter series, I think authors really need to dig deep in order to find a way to make their story unique when writing in this particular genre. To me, A Door in the Woods felt like every other ordinary-kid-finds-out-he-has-magical-powers-and-is-the-only-one-who-can-save-the-world-from-impending-destruction story. There just wasn't anything in the story to set it apart from a lot of other books that are out there.

To begin with, the plot didn't feel very fleshed out to me. It seemed like the story line hadn't really made it past the beginning stages of the writing process yet. I felt that the author had decided on some cool things he wanted to put in a story but hadn't really figured out why they were important to the overall picture or how they were all going to pull together. Some parts were confusing, and I never really understood how all of the pieces fit together. I realize that this was probably done in part to "hook" the reader and make them want to continue reading the series, but it mainly made things feel disjointed and contrived.

I also didn't feel that the writing was particularly well done. As an elementary school teacher, I talk to my students a lot about the need to show and not tell in writing in order to paint a picture for the reader. I felt that there was a lot more telling going on in this novel than anything else. I think this was partially due to the fact that the novel was written in first-person, but the book also just had an overall bare-bones feeling to it.

The characters were pretty stereotypical to me, too. I kept waiting for the villains to tie one of the good guys to a railroad track. The bad guys never really move past a "Grrrr! I'm evil!" image and the good guys were just...good. The characters were flat and lacking in depth, and I never became attached to them in any way.

This may be one I'd recommend to reluctant readers that are more interested in action than plot, but I think more sophisticated readers would have a hard time remaining engaged with the story.
Profile Image for Shanda.
354 reviews66 followers
July 14, 2008
This book was different than I was expecting and there were some things about it I found refreshing: a 14 year-old who wasn't some amazing genius, wasn't afraid to cry or admit when he was scared or confused, who got along with and LOVED his entire family. A regular kid who found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time and ended up on the adventure of a lifetime. Well done, James, I can see why my 10 year-old daughter loved it! On to Book 2...
Profile Image for Melissa Hayden.
971 reviews118 followers
February 24, 2010
This was a really quick and easy read for me. I enjoyed following the beginning to Jimmy Fincher's tale. The author caught my attention in the first paragraph when Jimmy mentions he cannot be destroyed. I was curious to see how this all would play out. It was a nice adventure to get to the end of this book.

Jimmy was a normal 14 year old by with a Mom, Dad, and an older brother living in a town called Duluth, Georgia. Until the day he was climbing a tree and saw a man dragging a woman fighting into the woods, then she just vanishes. Where did she go? And why is this man... Oh, Jimmy nows this man... The whole story just takes off from here.

Jimmy is sent by his dad to find an old friend, not knowing exactly where this friend lives or what he looks like, whos name is Joseph. Then he is told by his dad to be scared, that being scared will keep him alive.

On page 3 of the book there was one paragraph I just loved and really made me look forward to the fun tale that was going to be told with a childs view and discription on things, which does make it easy to see knowing what a kid sees.
"Before I begin, there are things to say. You must prepare yourself. The world is not what you think it is, and the nightmares that sometimes wake you in the middle of a storm may be truer than you think. Every novel you've ever read may not be as fictional as you thought. If I have learned anything, it is that nothing is beyond possible or belief. The world as I once knew it has turned upside down, and I've finally realized that the phrase "truth is stranger than fiction" is not just a stupid cliche.""
Profile Image for Silvia.
266 reviews11 followers
January 3, 2013
Whether this was the author's first book or not, I wonder just how it got published with so many annoying things about it. I listened to a recording with my family over a road trip, and if you're looking to enjoy the book DO NOT LISTEN TO THE RECORDING. The reader sounds like he had to get seriously stoned before consenting to read the book.

Aside from the awful recording, I still didn't enjoy the book at all. Dashner seems to be writing only for the plot, which wasn't as good as it could have been, but the plot was detracted from often by Dashner's obscure similes and weak writing.
My favorite went along these lines:
"The key fit right into the lock, like a spoon sliding into a bowl of cereal."
Um...what in the world? I have no idea how that metaphor is supposed to enhance my understanding of the event. And unfortunately, about 90 percent of his metaphors were of that caliber. That was my biggest issue with the writing, my second biggest is with the awful use of colloquialisms. He overused a bunch of really annoying and inappropriate (in terms of the context or the tone of it, not anything age-inappropriate or stuff like that) phrases that made it really difficult and not enjoyable to get through.

Overall, this book would probably be okay for elementary-level readers who only need the plot to get them into it and who wouldn't be annoyed by the poor writing. If you're hoping for a new Harry Potter-type plot, you've got it. If you're hoping for some quality writing (which JK Rowling has!), then look elsewhere.
Profile Image for Janell.
656 reviews
April 24, 2009
I really struggled on whether to give this 2 or 3 stars. The writing for this fantasy book was only so-so as was the story, although it did keep me interested until the end. Some of the fantasy creatures and situations seemed a little over the top. I was reminded of a character in a cartoon that has painted themselves into a corner. Suddenly they use the paintbrush to paint a door or window so they can escape. Some of the things in the book felt that way, as if they were created at the last minute just to extricate the characters out of the corner the author had placed them in rather than because they actually belonged in the story.

This is a series and the 1st book definitely does not reach a conclusion. I am interested enough to read the 2nd book so will stick with the 3 stars.

NOTE: Other reviewers seem to really like this book, especially the younger kids so if the synopsis appeals to you, it could be one you'd end up liking.
Profile Image for Readhead.
71 reviews21 followers
June 14, 2008
My good friend Karen absolutely insisted that I read this over the summer. So I did. It wasn't bad. It was also a fantasy book, which always scores points with me. Sure, I've read better books, but this was cute.

Thanks Karen. Enjoy Everlost! (the book she has to read in return)
Profile Image for Heather.
1,081 reviews77 followers
November 13, 2008
I thought this was a good book, but The 13th Reality was much better. This author has definitely gotten better along the way. This book has a more juvenile feel to it than most books I've read for this age group.

We have an ordinary character, just your normal kid who's in the wrong place at the wrong time. He has a good relationship with his family. He tries to to what is right even if he's scared.

The bad guys here are pretty bad. And scary. And bad stuff does happen.

I came away from this feeling like I didn't want my kids to read it though and I didn't want to read it to them. I'm also not particularly interested in finishing the series. I wouldn't let kids younger than 12 or so read it because of the dark stuff.
25 reviews1 follower
March 14, 2010
I just finished reading the whole Jimmy Fincher series. These books are very easy reads. I read all four books in two days. This series is good to read if you just want something relaxing and entertaining to read.

These books are quite imaginative and are a close second to Fablehaven. I like Fablehaven better because the books in that series are longer so I can enjoy each book longer. I think the Jimmy Fincher books were way too short. The whole series could have fit into one book.

I would suggest you get the whole series from the library before you start reading it because the end of every book leaves you with a terrible cliff hanger.
Profile Image for Ruth.
831 reviews4 followers
May 2, 2011
This was definitely for a younger audience. Maybe a 10 year old would appreciate the use of the random sayings peppered througout the book. Like,"what in tarnation!" it was as if he wrote down every saying he could think of and included them all int eh book. not to mention he sounded like a 10 year kid. boy sees a "murder" and is seen by the murderer. gets captured, escapes, gets captured again, family in danger, family gets captured, escapes, goes to place inbetween worlds. must save world. given gift, must find more gifts. yadda, yadda, etc.
1 review
January 22, 2009
I loved this book! It was so intense and interesting. I could not put it down. This would be a great adventure to have! I have read this over and over. This should definitely be at the top of your book list!!! Unbelievable!!!
Profile Image for Kimberly.
105 reviews
December 13, 2023
I wanted to love this book because I'm such a fan of Dashner's other series, The Maze Runner and Eye of Minds, but this was just a big disappointment. The beginning is so bad I almost gave up on it right away, and was sure this was going to be a 1 star review. After it's very rocky start, it did improve, and I was able to finish it, but that isn't saying much.

This is a book that feels like it was written by a high schooler. The overuse is terrible similes provides a very amateur feel. The author tells you how to experience the book instead of showing you.

It's written from the perspective of 14 year old Jimmy, who I was sure was actually 10. Nothing about the narrative felt the way a teenager would act, speak, or think.

While I think the plot has promise, it doesn't feel very well developed, and the characters are very flat. I was never really invested in any part of this story. It also felt unfinished, as if the whole series was meant to be one book, and the publishers decided to break it up out of either greed or impatience. Very little happens, and nothing is explained. Who are the Stompers? The Givers? The Shadow Ka? Where are the "gifts" Jimmy is supposed to receive? Why were they brought up if they were not going to be explained?

This is a book of all action and no explanation, but even the action is more build up than anything happening. The one thing this book does have going for it is that it sets its scenes well. I can vividly picture every place Jimmy went. He just didn't do anything when he got there. And there was no ending. Not even a cliffhanger. The book just sort of stops, again making me believe the whole series was meant to be one single book.

I wouldn't recommend this book unless you want to commit to the entire 4 book series, and since I haven't read all 4 books, I'm not sure I would recommend making that commitment either.
Profile Image for Bethany.
253 reviews
June 25, 2018
This was so disappointing.... I found myself so annoyed with the writing style and Jimmy Fincher in general. He was just annoying to read. And his family wasn't even interesting. Maybe if there was some more dialog or banter between a "normal" family, this would have been more interesting. And what is up with the whole "mystical" world building anyway? It was honestly confusing and annoying to read. And the antagonists are weird as well. All they did was typically go on about their evil plans and whatnot. I also don't like Jimmy Fincher's name in general. It just didn't click with me. I found myself wanting his name to be Jimmy Finch because I think it flows better. And everyone had to say his name whenever they talked to him. That just reminded me of the show "Rick and Morty" where Rick has to say Morty's name all the time. It was annoying.

Overall, this book was confusing, annoying, and ridiculous. But this is a children's book so maybe kids will like it more than I did. But I'm going onto the next book because I can't seem to give up on books even if they are bad. So, hopefully the next one is better!
Profile Image for Jessica Nunnally.
154 reviews
September 13, 2023
It's a 3+ in my opinion. I'll start with the things that kept it from being 4 stars. First, the whole book felt like it was written by a kid, which mostly feels like fine flavor as it's told in first person by a 14-year-old. The problem is that even the dialogue from the adults sounds like it's from a 14-year-old. My other problem is that, at one point, he steps out of the rings he's standing in; half a page later, he steps out of them again without having stepped back in them. There are a couple of small issues like that.
Now I'll share the good stuff. The story moved quickly and had some funny similes. The characters have fun descriptions and names. The "magic" that's working in Jimmy's life is unlike most magic systems I've read about. It had a good hook and reeled me and pulled me through the book like the reading fish I am. For a younger target audience, this would be fantastic! It's clean and clever, and I look forward to reading more about Jimmy Fincher and the Stompers.
Profile Image for Marie.
875 reviews8 followers
August 11, 2019
I wish I'd headed the reviews warning me away from this book. I can't imagine what possessed me to finish it when all I wanted to do was move on to something more interesting and better written.

This story is narrated by a 14-year-old, but he seemed much much younger. My 8-year-old is more articulate and has a better vocabulary. It reads like mediocre middle grade and might appeal to young grade-school age kids. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone approaching (or past) their teens or anyone with a discriminating eye/ear for decent writing. It ends with the story far from resolved but I have zero interest in picking up the next book.

Its an urban fantasy story about a boy who gets accidentally dragged into a hero role where he has to find a key in order to save his family and probably the world.
15 reviews
January 11, 2017
A Door in the woods by James Dashner is a book about a young lad who has a simple life he loves to climb trees and one day has he is climbing his favorite tree it all changes he witnesses his mayor dumping a body in the woods where he is climbing his favorite tree and his mayor sees him and he doesn't want him to so he chases jimmy up the tree and he falls from the tree and he finds a door and he escapes the mayor by going through the door and on the other side there is a man who helps him I liked this book because it was interesting though the entire book a theme from this book is be the good because the good is better
Profile Image for Corby Campbell.
69 reviews
July 15, 2017
A good young reading level book. I'll probably read it with my kids someday.

A good young reading level book. I'll probably read it with my kids someday.

Reviews require six more word things.
Profile Image for Christian.
440 reviews2 followers
March 29, 2022
It was fine. Nothing happens for most of the book. An accountant wrote it in his free time and it shows. It's got some silly sci fi concepts. It lifts some from Harry Potter in terms of the 'chosen one' trope. Humorless but it was a fine diversion.
Profile Image for yuzzy.
119 reviews45 followers
June 3, 2017
AWESOME... but kinda boring
Profile Image for Abby.
110 reviews9 followers
May 9, 2020
Terrible writing. It drew my kids in, and I will read the rest of the series so I can discuss it with them, but it isnt something I would typically choose to spend my time reading.
1,758 reviews1 follower
June 7, 2020
Just ok. Juvenile. I think I’ll pass on anymore in the series.
64 reviews1 follower
January 13, 2021
I'm an adult and I enjoyed this series. It's geared more toward a younger audience, but I thought it was very fun. I read the series twice.
Profile Image for Danae Valdez.
1 review
May 4, 2021
Fun read

It felt a little like a fun period piece fantasy. Like a blast from my past. Just a fun ride I want to ride again.
6 reviews
October 8, 2024
quite a good book to read, it keeps you locked in and makes you excited to turn to the next page. 10/10
Profile Image for Whitney.
53 reviews
November 18, 2015
"The world is not what you think it is, and the nightmares that sometimes wake you in the middle of a storm may be truer than you think. Every novel you've ever read may not be as fictional as you thought. If I have learned anything, it is that nothing is beyond possible or belief. The world as I once knew it has turned upside down, and I've finally realized that the phrase 'truth is stranger than fiction' is not just a stupid cliche" (3-4)


3.5 stars. This is the story of an ordinary 14 year old boy, Jimmy Fincher, who in the course of one fateful day goes from being a carefree, happy youth to a "bona fide murder-witness, kidnap-victim, hostage, and escapee all rolled into one" (27). And that's only the beginning of the story. From there, things go from bad to worse as Jimmy quickly learns that nothing is what it seems, and the world that he once understood is much more "strange and terrifying" than he originally thought (21).

At its most basic level, this is a quest story. Meaning there is a hero, a great journey towards the ultimate goal, tasks that must be completed, and villains at every turn. What makes it original though is that it is told in Dashner's signature style. For those who have read The Maze Runner trilogy, this series is going to feel very familiar. Instead of Grievers, WICKED, The Flare, the Gladers, and The Maze, there's The Stompers, the Union of Knights, The Random Rippings, the Givers, and The Door. What makes this book even better though is that Jimmy is an unlikely hero: he cries, he wets his pants, at times he even faints. However, this only makes Jimmy that much more likeable and relatable and for any kid who has ever been the underdog, which lets face it almost all of us are at one time or another, it makes the story that much more exciting.

At only 188 pages, this is an extremely short read and does a great job of setting readers up for the remaining books in the series. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for a quick read, or anyone who has read and liked any of Dashner's other books. Although extremely simplistic in style, his books are always fun and enjoyable reads.
Profile Image for Erin.
189 reviews11 followers
August 3, 2011
I feel like this story gives us very little explanation about what is going on most of the time. The action carries us away with mostly unanswered questions, but I guess I can understand why. It is the beginning of a series after all, so it is mostly focused on setting up for the rest of the series. I guess I can wait for another book or two to get my answers.

I really enjoyed this story just because the voice was so stinkin' fun. It really did sound like a 14-year-old boy talking. It was a little odd that all of the other characters talked the same way, but I could forgive that just because it was so delightful to hear and just seemed to add to the charm of this book. It portrays the attitude of a young yet fairly sweet and innocent teen boy really well.

I also found Jimmy's attachment to his family very refreshing. With so many stories out there, particularly those written for this age group, that show dysfunctional and fractious families, it was really nice to see an example of a strong one. The parents are still happily married to each other, the siblings recognize that they love each other despite the obligatory teasing that goes on between them, and Jimmy genuinely trusts his father to make everything right. Of course this wouldn't be Jimmy Fincher's story if his dad had done so. There comes a point where Jimmy has to step up to the plate and become the hero, but it is sweet what childlike faith he has in his parents and how devoted he is to ensuring his family's safety. I am eager to see what happens to Jimmy and his family in the next few books.
Profile Image for David Edmonds.
669 reviews31 followers
May 10, 2016
A Door in the Woods is the first book in James Dashner's Jimmy Fincher Saga, and it's a decent start to the series and a decent first book for Dashner. The writing isn't all that bad, but there is room for growth. Dashner relies a little too heavily on what I'm sure he is trying to play off as quaint, southern colloquialisms. Every character in the book uses them, and after several chapters, it gets a little old.

Jimmy Fincher is your typical, fourteen year old boy, who happens to stumble upon a secret that could change the world. Through his adventures, he uncovers family secrets, villains, enigmatic benefactors and unlikely friends. Unlike the typical YA book today, Jimmy has a solid family unit around him that he relies on and that supports him throughout the entire book. I find this a refreshing change.

While I could see where the book may have benefited from a little tighter editing, overall A Door in the Woods is a fun read and I think most kids would find it enjoyable; it's filled with adventure, mystery, intrigue and life or death situations. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews

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